Ep 42: COUNCILLOR/DE-RADICALISATION COACH with Shahid Butt, up for local elections - hear his full story here! His past, his Yemen episode, and his redemption since.

Shahid Butt: Redemption, Controversy, and the Fight for Birmingham’s Future! In a much anticipated and debated episode, we sit down with Shahid Butt, an independent candidate standing for Birmingham City Council in the 2026 local elections.As part of the Independent Candidates Alliance, Shahid is at the forefront of a movement challenging the political status quo in the second city. But his journey to the ballot box is unlike any other. From growing up in Birmingham and founding the 'Lynx' group to combat 1980s street racism, to his highly publicized and controversial imprisonment in Yemen in 1999—Shahid’s life has been defined by struggle, headlines, and a quest for redemption.In this episode, we explore:The Early Years: Growing up in Birmingham and the experiences that shaped his defiant worldview.The Yemen Controversy: Addressing the 1999 convictions head-on, the allegations of forced confessions, and his five years in a foreign prison.The Road Back: How he transitioned from a convicted high-profile prisoner to a community mentor and de-radicalization advocate working with youth.Local Politics: Why he’s running for Birmingham City Council now, his views on the city’s financial crisis, and his plan for "common sense" local governance.The Independent Movement: The rise of independent voices in Birmingham and what it means for the established Labour and Conservative parties.Whether you see him as a reformed advocate for change or a figure of controversy, this conversation provides an unfiltered look at the man behind the headlines.Watch/Listen to discover his vision for Birmingham and why he believes it's time for a new direction.#ShahidButt #Birmingham #LocalElections2026 #IndependentCandidates #BrumVotes #MorganReachTV #PoliticsUnfiltered #BirminghamCityCouncil